Why do I need a free inspection before I can get a price quote?

We, at All Star Services, pride ourselves on being able to provide the very best quality of service at the very best prices. With that being said, it is important to remember that no 2 houses and situations are the same. We feel that the best approach to giving our customers a fair price is to be able to assess the problem and discuss with our customers the best way to solve the issue for their particular situation. This prevents us from possibly overcharging our customers by “guessing” what we will need to do.

Can I spray and get rid of my pest problem?

You are free to attempt treating your own home, but we would definitely not recommend it. There are many reasons to allow a professional to handle your situation instead. Issues of safety, proper use, and application of pesticides, understanding what products work best and how to use them for each particular pest play a huge role in getting rid of your problem. Our technicians are fully trained and certified to know HOW to treat different pest situations and what the most EFFECTIVE and SAFEST means are to keep your home protected. Most homeowners who attempt to treat their problem on their own spend more money and time than necessary and end up having to contact a professional in the end anyway.

Why should I hire a professional pest prevention firm?

Professional Pest control companies are Licensed and Insured to be able to treat your home with the SAFEST and MOST EFFECTIVE methods in the industry. We are also highly trained and experienced in the field. We are regulated and accountable to our local state and federal agricultural departments. It can be dangerous and ineffective and costly to allow someone who is not licensed and insured and properly trained to use pesticides in our around your home.

Is this safe for my family and pets?

All of our technicians are trained and certified to know which pesticides to use and where to use them to safely eliminate your pest issue. The majority of our products are labeled for general use and are completely safe for humans and animals. While some products and methods may require special methods to treat, we will always inform you of any safety precautions that may need to be taken.

Will I feel secure with your pest control professionals in my home? 

We certainly hope so!! We at All Star Services take very seriously our reputation for HONESTY and INTEGRITY. We place extreme importance on each employee taking seriously their own personal integrity and trustworthiness as well as the integrity of the company. All of our employees have been background checked and have displayed consistent good character and a high level of customer service. We welcome feedback from our customers on our technicians regularly so that we can “hear” from our customers about their experience. This is the best way to help us to continue to provide the best customer service in the industry. Please feel free to share your experience with us anytime.

How soon can your exterminators come to my home?

We do our very best to work with your schedule as a customer in need of a solution. Typically an appointment can be made as soon as the same day or 24 – 48 hours at the latest, depending on your need.

Do I have to leave my home when you provide service?

Most services can be performed with you relaxing in your home. There is normally no need for you to leave. In certain situations, for specific pest issues that may require you to leave your home briefly, the technician will always discuss details with you to make necessary arrangements.

How soon can we expect results?

That depends on the particular pest problem and the severity. Your technician will explain to you the expected results at the time of the free inspection. We pride ourselves on quick and effective results.

Is a preventative plan necessary?

It is our philosophy and experience that an ounce of prevention goes a long way!! It is always much more effective and cost-efficient to maintain your home pest free than to wait until a problem arises or becomes worse.

Do you offer pet friendly pest control options?

Yes. Most of our products and services are completely safe for pets. In the event that there is a specific need to treat where a pet may be at risk we have many different alternatives available to remediate the problem in another way, such as Baits, traps, mechanical alterations, exclusion methods, etc.

How long do regular pest treatments take? 

That depends on the particular pest and infestation. It can be as quick as 30min up to a couple of hours depending on house size, outside area, infestation, and method of treatment. All these things will be discussed at the free inspection.

What actions do I need to take prior to a regular pest maintenance visit?

That will be based on your particular service needs, but most of the time regular maintenance services do not require any action on the part of the homeowner directly. These are details that can be evaluated and discussed with your technician upon choosing a plan that best suits your needs.

How is All Star Services different from other local exterminators?

First and foremost we pride ourselves on our customer service and willingness to put the customer and their needs first before all else. We pay particular attention to making sure our customers know that we are here to help and serve them. We put great emphasis on principles such as honesty, integrity, safety, and going the extra mile to make sure that the customer has an experience from start to finish that is second to none. We believe that our work and attitude are truly the best forms of advertisement. We want you to happily refer us to family and friends because of your experience. We also offer many other services that other pest control companies do not such as moisture remediation in crawlspaces and even home repairs, remodeling, and many other services that allow us to be a one-stop shop for all your home maintenance needs.

I noticed more bugs than usual after my first treatment. Why is that?

Sometimes after an initial treatment certain insects will become more prevalent in the open. This can be a sign that they are dying and the application has caused them to try to flee. At other times we may use products that are designed to work most effectively over time because the insect needs to take it back to the nest to eliminate the colony. Our trained technicians will explain what to expect when forming the best plan of action for your situation. Either way, if we make an agreement to get rid of a problem you can rest assured we are a phone call away and will stay on top of it until you are completely satisfied and pest free.

What are the signs that my crawl space needs repair or encapsulation?

Elevated moisture readings, starting at a 16% wood content, promote fungus growth, resulting in mold accumulation on the floor joists, subfloor, and insulation. Moisture buildup may cause insulation to dislodge, and flex ductwork may experience water pooling at its low points due to high relative humidity and condensation.
Encapsulation Needed: The evaluation process begins with an examination of the exterior, focusing on the grading around the house to ensure proper water drainage. Additionally, the presence of gutters and the redirection of water away from the house through downspout extensions are checked. Signs indicating the necessity for encapsulation include water accumulation in the center of the crawlspace, recent water lines on interior pillars, and damp or muddy sand throughout the crawlspace, extending beyond areas where water accumulates from the roof line.
The encapsulation process involves a dual seal approach, utilizing double-sided tape on the seams and covering them with 4-inch tape. Pillars are also wrapped. Essentially, in the event of water intrusion beneath your crawlspace, the sealed encapsulation serves as a protective barrier. Most encapsulations incorporate sump pumps and dehumidifiers in a symbiotic system to manage moisture or water intrusion. The thickness of the plastic used varies from 10-mil to 20-mil.

What is a vapor barrier?

A vapor barrier is a plastic layer installed on the ground in the crawlspace to control moisture emanating from the soil or sand. The plastic is stapled and cut to conform to the interior of the foundation and around the pillars.

How can a crawl space encapsulation system benefit my home and health?

Proper moisture control beneath your home is essential for safeguarding its structure and the contents of your crawlspace. This is achieved by regulating crawl space humidity to prevent the accumulation of mildew, mold, and fungus on elements such as the floor system, insulation, and ductwork. Encapsulation not only safeguards these components but also manages the humidity entering your living space, reducing the frequency of HVAC system cycling and eliminating the musty odors you may have been experiencing.

What materials and methods do you use for crawl space encapsulation, and are they environmentally friendly?

We employ 10-mil and 14-mil plastic liners for the ground and wall lining. When there is no insulation between the floor joists, we utilize insulated wall liners. To seal the overlaps, we use 1-7/8-inch double-sided tape, and for sealing the top layers of the encapsulation, we use 4-inch 10-mil tape.

Do you offer a warranty for your crawl space encapsulation services?

There is a 20-year warranty for the 10-mil option and a 25-year warranty for the 14-mil option. This warranty specifically covers delamination or breakdown of the plastic and does not include coverage for wear and tear, cuts, or tears resulting from tools used by servicemen.

Can you assess and address moisture issues in my crawlspace? How do you determine the source of moisture?

We evaluate moisture problems by visually inspecting the crawl space and using a hydrometer and a wood content meter to take readings.

What is the process for installing a moisture barrier in my crawlspace, and how long does it typically take?

We remove debris, trash, and damaged insulation from the area. We rake the soil, eliminating any hard rocks, broken bricks, blocks, or anything that could potentially tear or puncture the plastic when crawling over the moisture barrier. The duration of the process varies depending on the house size and the amount of trash present in the crawlspace, usually taking 2-3 days.

Are there any health risks associated with a damp or moldy crawl space, and how can your services mitigate those risks?

Indeed, a crawlspace containing mold or mildew can result in the infiltration of these issues into the living space, leading to sinus problems and allergies. We can address and prevent these issues by applying a mold treatment to the crawlspace, installing a moisture barrier, and incorporating a dehumidifier.

Do you offer dehumidification services for crawl spaces, and what kind of equipment do you use?

Yes, we utilize dehumidification services tailored to the square footage of the crawlspace. We provide 55 PPD Seaira Dehumidifiers and various Aprilaire Dehumidifiers based on the specific size of the crawlspace.

What maintenance is required for the dehumidification system, and do you provide ongoing support?

We offer a bi-annual crawl space inspection so we can assess the crawlspace by looking at the plastic, floor joist system, floor insulation, ductwork, clean out the filter on the dehumidifier and then make sure the condensation pump is operating properly.

Can you explain the benefits of replacing ductwork in my crawlspace, and how does it impact the energy efficiency of my home?

There are several advantages to replacing your ductwork system. Firstly, it eliminates old, mildew- and mold-infested ducts that could otherwise release spores into your living space, potentially causing allergies or sinus issues. Secondly, replacing damaged and leaky ducts with new, sealed, and tight ductwork ensures that a greater amount of air is directed into the living space rather than leaking out into the crawlspace. This, in turn, leads to lower utility bills, as the HVAC system runs more efficiently, delivering the heated or cooled air precisely to the intended living areas.

What are the indicators that my ductwork needs replacement, and how do you assess its condition?

The condition of the duct wrap, tape, and flex components in the system is deteriorating. For instance, the main supply is composed of a duct board rather than a metal pipe. The duct tape is peeling off due to aging and moisture damage. The duct wrap has flattened over time, losing its puffiness, and failing to adequately protect the interior flex pipe, a consequence of both aging and moisture exposure. The flex runs have become discolored, turning white instead of maintaining the original silver foil wrap appearance. This discoloration is attributed to high humidity and condensation accumulation within the insulation of the flex runs. Additionally, upon entering the crawl space during the summer or hot months, one perceives a noticeable flow of cool air, surpassing the usual conditions for a cool crawlspace. Conversely, in the colder months, warmer air is felt beneath the crawlspace.

What type of ductwork materials do you recommend, and how does it affect the air quality and temperature control in my home?

I suggest employing the conventional metal pipe with duct wrap and standard insulated flexible runs. These items adhere to standard specifications and code requirements. Additionally, it is advisable to utilize DC 181 tape for the joints on the supply run and apply mastic to the joints of the metal supply pipe, as well as any joints branching off from the supply line.

How long does a typical ductwork replacement project take, and what is the cost involved?

To uninstall and replace an entire average-sized ductwork system, it typically requires 3 to 5 days.

Can you provide references or examples of past projects you’ve completed in my area?

Certainly, upon request.

Do you work with insurance companies for potential moisture-related damage claims?

Insurance companies will only collaborate with us if the house experiences flooding, and the water reaches the subfloor. I am not aware of any instance where we have engaged with insurance companies.

Are there financing options available for your services, and do you offer free estimates?

We collaborate with GreenSky, and when a customer expresses interest in exploring financing options, I direct them to our website. Indeed, we provide complimentary estimates.

What precautions will your team take to ensure the safety of my home and family during the work?

All Star Services, we live by our company motto of “HONEST, RELIABLE, & SAFE SERVICES.” Therefore, when working on a customer’s home or business, we exercise utmost care when dealing with electrical, supply, and drainage lines, among other components. The Cold Fog treatment we employ is safe for both homeowners and pets. Our approach is to treat customers with the same level of care and respect as we would our own family and friends. We adhere to a strict standard of quality, never accepting completed work for customers if we would not deem it acceptable for ourselves.

Can you explain the long-term benefits of investing in these services for my home’s value and energy efficiency?

Investing in your crawl space yields several long-term benefits, foremost among them being the protection of your living space from humidity infiltration. This proactive measure effectively mitigates the growth of mold and allergens in the crawlspace, preventing them from permeating your living area and causing issues such as allergies and sinus problems.
Furthermore, dedicating resources to your crawl space contributes to the overall value of your home. The dehumidification of the crawlspace safeguards your ductwork, resulting in lower utility bills, as attested by satisfied customers following the completion of crawlspace work and moisture remediation. Sustaining a constant moisture level in the crawlspace prevents condensation during warmer months, shielding both the ductwork and crawlspace. For instance, running your system at 72 degrees in the presence of 90% humidity can cause the ductwork to condensate, similar to a glass of ice water left outdoors in August. This condensation leads to the absorption of moisture by the insulation wrap during warm seasons, with excess water falling onto the ground. Subsequently, this moisture is absorbed or evaporates into the floor insulation and structure, initiating a detrimental cycle of wood rot, fungus, mildew, and mold growth on floor joists, floor insulation, and inside ductwork. This, in turn, circulates into your living space through the ventilation system.
Emphasizing the importance of protecting your crawlspace, it is likened to maintaining a secure roof over your house. While a leaking roof immediately manifests visible or short-term damage, the condition of the crawlspace remains hidden until a professional inspects it, often prompted by the onset of moldy odors, mustiness, allergic reactions, or even the unsettling sensation of floors turning into a trampoline. Addressing crawl space issues at this point can lead to exorbitant repair costs.